


% 









•\* V N<> 



.\ 




-^.^^^ 










'^ A 




1; 






A 









^o-n^ V : .-iq 



<5> 




♦v; 













V.<v* 




if '7 



.^^"V 
V v 



A 



s 



•^^0^ 






o > 

_ . ^^ ,,-. .^^ ,^^^^ ^.^^^ ^^^^^^ ,^^^^ ,^^^^^ . 












-^ W«*' J"^-^. 



0^ o»-.. V /\.i:;^% '^^^ 






"^^ ^ ^^l 



"oo 






'^- ^ ^^^ */ " 




.0-^ 










;.&:''^. ..^^;i:^:.„^ .^ .'.i^^'. "'^^ .^^►:^;;;»^ ,^.v 



■a? -t' 

^•° /\. '°^^J J"^^^ 



V 







« o ■ ^u 



.-?;" 



')?;' 
m 






/■% 



^^ 



>:^^%. ^' 



'^ "^0* ^'M^- ^/ 






.0^ 



¥« 




^¥^v 



^.o-n^ 



^. 



%\ 



f ' ^1 

Modern Ecclesiastical 


« POEMS » 


ENTITLED 

Wisdom ons Revelation 

Prof. G. R. Harding 

• •• 1 H E«** 


O 
R 
N 


L— TROPHE 1 
X REACHED 

-^ HILOSOPHEAv 


A 

M 

E 
N 


Teacher in Faith and Verity. 

Kmwltdge is power ^ 

Wisdom is light: 
These are indispensible 

To guide us aright. 

%. ^...^ J 



x<b ^\\> 






^«' 







HESE singular, extraordinary metrical composi- 
tions are a Divine Revelation. They comprehend 
and embrace the entire Gospel and word of God, 
including the unwritten words of the Lord Jesus 
Christ, being witnessed unto by the apostlea and 

prophets, as shown in the Scriptures of both the Old and New 

Testaments. And are — 

A masterly work, by a master hand, 

Ordained of God, forever shall stand; 

So long as heaven and earth remain 

The works of God shall be the same. 

Neither time nor place can alter His plan 

Which was fore-ordained in the creation of man. 

G. RAY HARDING. 



Copyright, 1918, by G. Ray Harding. 



CONTENTS 

Page 
The Mystery of My Life and the Secret of Grace 3 

Words of Christ to His Disciples Whom He Chose on 

the Mount 5 

Wisdom and Revelation 9 

World War 15 

Our Country's Call 16 

The Time of God's Visitation and Day of His Wrath I 7 

The Christian Soldier Boy 18 

Memorial of Christmas Day 19 

Warning Message 20 

Reflection 21 

Christian Soldier 22 

Testimony of a Convert 22 

The Backslider's Return 23 

Healing Obtained by Faith 24 



OCT -I lbl8 
©ci.Arin49t5o 



^>»* 



I 



THE MYSTERY OF MY LIFE AND THE SECRET 
OF GRACE 

There was a time when I was not, 

So far as any one knew. 
No human eyes had looked on me 

And no one had a clew 
That such a one as I should come 

Into this world unknown; 
And a million souls as yet unborn 

Only God knew, and He alone. 

There came a time when I was born; 

Few knew from whence I came. 
What manner of man that I would be. 

And what would be my name; 
That my mission in a world like this, 

Where none are free from sin. 
Is to do the right with all my might. 

The battle of life to win. 

There was a time when 1 had no mind. 

No reason, no knowledge, no will. 
For I was weak, no power to speak. 

With words my tongue to tell. 
Of the narrow way by which 1 came 

Or how it happened to be 
That I was the one my time had come. 

Though thousands come after me. 

When 1 had been here more than a year. 

It came to me in mind 
That I had a mother, a sister, a brother. 

And many more of my race and kind. 
Then 1 began to observe and myself to serve. 

In trying to learn and to walk; 
With a will and a mind, 1 began to find 

That I had a tongue for to talk. 

As the years rolled on one by one, 

I grew and became a man; 
The time had come for me to choose 

And seek to know God's plan. 



So I made a start while yet in the dark, 

For I had not found God's way. 
But the spirit of love came in from above 

When 1 began to pray. 

Oh, the wonderful sight in a vision that night 

Is more than tongue can express; 
My heart was filled and my soul w^as thrilled 

When Jesus came in to bless. 
I was born out of sin, a new life to begin, 

Old things had all passed away; 
God's praise was my joy my tongue to employ. 

In a realm of light and new day. 

It was made clear to my mind, by the spirit divine. 

Which caused me to see and behold. 
That God's plan it is great, which 1 must relate 

Of things unseen and untold. 
So 1 found I must wait and stand in the gate 

For days and for years to expire. 
Be tempted and tried, have my heart purified. 

Having passed through the furnace of fire. 

My time has now come to vk^arn everyone. 

Being chosen to speak in His name, 
God's plan to unfold of wonders untold. 

And a kingdom of love to proclaim. 
Now I certify to you that these things are all true. 

On which you can safely rely. 
For 1 stand in the light, preach God's Kingdom and 
might. 

In the spirit that came from on high. 

Composed by 

G. Ray Harding. 
June 2 7th, 1917. 



WORDS OF CHRIST TO HIS DISCIPLES WHOM HE 
CHOSE ON THE MOUNT 

Composed by G. Ray Harding, February, 1918 

When Jesus saw the great multitude that had gathered in the 

way. 
He went up into a mountain, with his disciples for to pray. 
Being assembled there in private after naeditation and prayer, 
He ordained twelve of their number His ministry to share. 

Then he opened His mouth with words rich and sublime. 
Instructed them in righteousness that would endure for all time. 
He spoke of many things concerning what would be done, 
Of His mission here on earth and His Kingdom to come. 

Having gone through these things in a most masterly way. 
He looked on those He had chosen and to them He did say: 
Now ye are the salt of the earth to be the savor of mankind. 
To preach God's Kingdom is nigh and all who seek it may find. 

Ye are the lights of the world like a city set on a hill. 

Your light shall shine afar and the whole world it shall fill. 

So let your light shine before men, that my good work they 

may see. 
And glorify your Heavenly Father, w^ho now dwells in me. 

Blessed are ye when men revile you, who preach the gospel in 

my name. 
For so reviled they the prophets who before you once came. 
Blessed are ye who are persecuted for true righteousness' sake. 
With glad hearts then rejoice, for your reward shall be great. 

Blessed are the poor in spirit who for seasons are sad. 

For in my day they shall rejoice and their hearts be made glad. 

Blessed are they that do mourn, for the comforter they shall 

find. 
Giving them rest in their souls and sweet peace of mind. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall mercy obtain. 
Never come into condemnation, nor knovir sorrov«f or pain. 
Blessed are all the meek, who shall inherit the earth. 
Clothed in garments white and spotless, for in Heaven they 
have birth. 

5 



Blessed are they that do hunger after righteousness through 

love, 
For they shall be filled with the bread of life from above. 
Blessed are they that do thirst in this dark world of strife, 
For I will give them to drink of the water of life. 

Blessed are the pure in heart, for my God they shall see. 
Ever dwell in His presence and in His likeness shall be. 
Blessed are the peacemakers who have great things in store. 
Called God's children among men, whom angels adore. 

Beware of Pharisees and scribes, who appear righteous unto 

men; 
Being teachers of Moses' law, they will my doctrine condemn. 
Except your righteousness exceed theirs in faith and true love. 
Ye shall in no wise enter into my Father's Kingdom above. 

Do not think 1 am come to destroy, but to fulfill 
Moses' law and the prophets, which abide in force still. 
For they testified of me, whom the Father has sent 
To give life everlasting unto all who repent. 

These commandments were given to be observed and obeyed; 
Convince all men of sin who from God they have strayed. 
Whosoever, therefore, shall neglect to teach men the same 
Shall be called least of all who preach the Gospel in my name. 

By this law of commandments came the knowledge of sin, 
So all who transgress them have condemnation within; 
For this law was not given to set guilty men free. 
But by repentance through faith may find a pardon in me. 

You have heard it was said by teachers in times past 

That whosoever does kill another shall his judgment find at last. 

But I say to you in truth there are other men of sin 

Who have not taken human life, yet are murderers within. 

For whosoever shall be angry with his brother without cause 
Is in danger of the judgment, which shall come and not pause. 
And whosoever shall say "Thou fool", to a brother in much ire 
Is condemned before God and is in danger of hell fire. 

Then agree with thine adversary that thou mayest be forgiven. 
Lest he deliver thee to the judge and thou be cast into prison. 
Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt not come out thence. 
Till the last farthing is paid and thou make full recompense. 

6 



Again if any man shall sue thee and take away thy coat, 
If thou hast nothing to pay give him also thy cloak, 
And vsfhosoever shall require thee to go a mile on his way. 
Then go with him twain and thou shalt ask him no pay. 

Love your enemies as your friend, in the time of their distress; 
Pray for them that despitefully use you and when they curse 

you thou shalt bless; 
Be the children of your Heavenly Father, who doeth good 

unto all. 
Both the just and the unjust, the great and the small. 

Give to him that shall ask thee and say not, Some other day. 
And from him that would borrow turn not thou away; 
For such are thy neighbors, who are in stress and sore need. 
Whom thou should love as thyself and show them kindness 
indeed. 

Do these things and be perfect, like your Heavenly Father 

above. 
Who showeth deeds of kindness, full of mercy and love. 
Be ye not overcome with evil, stand fast, watch and pray 
For the coming of God's Kingdom, which shall come in my 

day. 

Take heed that ye do not your alms in sight of men. 

They v^rill praise you for the gift, but God will condemn. 

Let not, therefore, your right hand know ^vhat the left hand 

shall do. 
Then God who seeth in secret will openly rew^ard you. 

Be ye not like the hypocrites, who themselves do commend, 
Stand and pray in public places, yet within they are con- 
demned ; 
But go ye pray in secret, where my Father may be found. 
He will hear thee and bless thee and cause thee to abound. 

When ye pray thou shalt say, "Our Father who art in Heaven, 
Most hallowed is thy name to whom praise shall be given; 
Let thy kingdom come now and thy power be made known; 
Let thy will be done on earth, as in Heaven before thy throne; 

Now each day give us our bread, as thou knowest we have 

need. 
And forgive us our trespasses, who are thy children indeed. 
That we may forgive others, who through envy and hate 
Have trespassed against us, not knowing their state ; 

7 



Deliver us from all evil, lead us not in the way 
Where Satan may deceive us and we go far astray; 
For thine is the kingdom and in glory thou dost dwell. 
Having power and dominion over earth. Heaven and hell." 

Now these words are acceptable from the lips of men that are 

clean. 
Who in faith call upon God, whom they have not seen, 
For my Father is a spirit clothed immortal in the light. 
Who ever dwells in the secret place most glorious and bright. 

All these sayings I have spoken, to show you the right way 
Which shall be profitable for you when you are tempted to 

stray. 
For whosoever heareth and doeth all the things 1 command 
Shall not be shaken or moved but like a rock he will stand. 

But all who hear and believe not, neither obey these com- 
mands, 

I will liken them unto men who built their house on the sands. 

When the storm came and the winds blew, which beat hard on 
its wall. 

Their house crumbled and fell and very great was its fall. 

All these things Jesus spoke to his disciples who were near, 
And many things that are not written they were privileged to 

hear. 
For they were to be his witnesses, w^hen his work here was done. 
Of all things that he spoke concerning his Kingdom to come. 

So when Jesus had ended all these sayings so grand, 

TTiey were astonished at his doctrine, which they could not 

understand, 
For he spoke as with authority and not as Scribes in the law. 
For his words were with power and without error or flaw. 

G. R. H. 



WISDOM AND REVELATION 

, Composed by G. Ray Harding 

in the autumn of the year 1917 

You have heard of King Solomon, a wise man of old, 
The son of Bathsheba, whom his father David had told 
That her son would be king and reign in his stead 
When he had departed to sleep with the dead. 

Solomon's father. King David, was a man of renown. 
He was chosen to rule Israel and their enemies put down; 
He was gentle but courageous, waxed valiant in fight. 
Subdued all the heathen and put their armies to flight. 

Before King Saul was dethroned, for his jealousy and hate. 
The prophet Samuel anointed David to rule Israel so great, 
And of his righteous seed God to David made known 
The Christ would come forth to be King on his throne. 

The time of Christ's kingdom was as yet far away. 
So another must be ruler until some future day. 
Then Solomon was found to be the typical one, 
A man of truth, rich in wisdom, like the ruler to come. 

King Solomon was young when he ascended the throne, 
Having a desire for peace and great love for his home. 
With his people at heart, over whom he should reign. 
He asked God for guidance and his hand to sustain. 

His prayer it was heard, for God indeed was his stay. 
With wisdom did guide him in a marvelous way. 
His reign was in peace, he had glory and fame. 
Wealth in abundance and built a house for God's name. 

When this temple was finished, so magnificent and grand, 
Solomon stood before the altar and stretched forth his hand; 
He gave thanks unto God for his wonderful grace. 
And asked for his presence to ever dwell in this place. 

Then the temple was filled with glory and light, 
By a cloudy pillar of fire, which shone day and night; 
So the people rejoiced and celebrated that day. 
For God's temple was now open, where they could worship 
and pray, 

9 



Solomon's fame spread abroad to the north and the south, 
The Queen of Sheba came from afar to hear the words of his 

mouth; 
After seeing and hearing and his face did behold. 
She exclaimed with emotion, "The half has never been told!" 

No king was like Solomon, so Bible history relates. 
Noted for wisdom and prudence, great wealth and estates; 
He had musicians and singers, men of skill in all trades, 
Concubines for to serve him and many wives with their maids. 

His fame, excellence and greatness v/as above all men of earth. 
Yet apart from wisdom and prudence, he found all else but 

dearth, 
For to fear God, do good and rejoice in his name 
Was more valuable than earth's treasures with all its glory and 

fame. 

King Solomon became a preacher near the end of his days. 
Wrote a book of many proverbs from observation of man's 

ways. 
He discovered all is vanity, nothing of earth doth remain, 
But does flee as a shadow v/hich no man can retain. 

Having applied his heart unto wisdom, which searches out 

everything. 
Showing the good, also the evil, and the rew^ard that they bring: 
Finding nothing that is new, which is yet for to come. 
And only that which has been is what shall be done. 

Also one guiding hand, ^vhich commands and controls all 
In earth, sea and sky, in wind, w^ave and waterfall; 
His name is Jehovah, the beginning and the end. 
Who brought all things into existence and on whom all things 
depend. 

In the works of creation, Solomon discovered a plan, 
A purpose and design, for the perfection of man. 
Whom God did foreknow, and in the beginning did find 
His ov/n offspring and seed. His image, likeness and kind. 

Wisdom declares man is spirit and not a product of earth. 
Had his beginning with God and not the day of his birth. 
The Lord God did possess him in the beginning of his way, 
Coming into this body at a fixed or appointed day. 

10 



Wisdom reveals the true purpose why we were made man 
In this body of earth in which our life's but a span; 
It is to perfect our spirit, which must fight against sin 
And have life everlasting, if the victory we win. 

No spirit is made perfect that has not been tried, 
And only those ever shall be who in Christ are justified. 
For to iT>istrust our God and go out of his sight 
Is to lose the inheritance in His Kingdom of light. 

All these things were written in King Solomon's roll. 
Also, that man is a spirit, having a body and a soul ; 
The man in spirit that will sin, his soul it must die. 
For God has declared it and in his word is no lie. 

He discovered the source from which wisdom came, 
Whose gift that she is and what is her name, 
1 he place of her dwelling. She, the mother spirit of love, 
The comforter of God's children, who came down from above. 

She is gentle and gracious, the Holy Ghost is her name. 

Who brought forth the child Jesus, God's son who once came. 

For she entered a virgin, prepared Christ a place. 

To take on him flesh, like the whole of man's race. 

Now according to wisdom, it was a part of God's plan. 
Though Christ in spirit was Lord, that he also become man. 
Taking upon him our nature, as the prophets had said. 
Be crucified and buried, then arise from the dead. 

Christ was crucified in body, yet in spirit was alive. 
Visited the spirits in death's prison and their souls did revive. 
Preached the gospel of his Kingdom and his power to save. 
Having purchased their deliverance from hell and the grave. 

This thing v/as accomplished nineteen centuries ago. 
When Christ came in the flesh, a man of sorrow and woe. 
He endured trials and temptations, overcame the world's sin, 
Then he laid down his life but he took it again. 

In Christ's death and resurrection, wisdom reveals God's wise 

plan 
To redeem the lost soul of every just man 
Who during his life time had walked in God's way, 
'1 hough at times was tempted and from him went astray. 

II 



She declares that all men who before Christ had died 
Were aroused from their slumbers after Christ was crucified, 
For the day of God's judgment of all the dead had now come, 
And their reward be made known according to the works they 
had done. 

Now from Adam until Christ the dead slumbered and slept. 
Both the just and the unjust, when their end they had met, 
But the faithful and just had hope when they died. 
Having believed in God's promises and on him had relied. 

They knew God had promised to raise up the dead. 

Both the just and the unjust, as the prophets had said. 

And bring them to judgment, whom his name had abhorred. 

But receive all the faithful who died in the Lord. 

But the fearful and unbelieving had no hope when they died, 
So in the judgment stood naked, and were greatly surprised. 
Having no garments to cover their unrighteous spirits of sin. 
Were banished to outer darkness, where no light ever shines in. 

For the books were then opened, God's law of man's race, 
And Christ sat in judgment to determine every man's case. 
When the unjust and faithless were told of their fate. 
They cried and asked favor, but Christ said, "It's too late." 

For you well remember, during thy lifetime on earth. 
My spirit was about thee from the day of thy birth; 
How 1 sought for to guide thee and lead thee aright. 
And entreated thee kindly to ever dwell in my sight. 

How 1 gave thee my law and commandments to keep, 
A covenant of promise for a light to thy feet. 
Many prophets 1 sent, who spoke in my name. 
To teach thee my ways and from sin to abstain. 

But ye refused my instruction and from me turned away; 
1 called you, but in vain, for ye would not obey. 
You despised the law of life and my covenant of grace. 
So into outer darkness you must go and never again see my 
face. 

Wisdom declares all the promises made to Israel of old 
And God's promise to David, which the prophet foretold. 
Has in Christ been fulfilled and unto us been made known. 
That Jesus was raised up and made King on his throne. 

12 



For he appeared to his disciples after he came from the dead. 
Through the Holy Ghost gave commandments and these words 

to them said : 
Now believe me that 1 and my Father are as one. 
That 1 came down from God and his work I have done. 

I give you to understand that before time began 

I was with God in spirit, and so was all men. 

For in me God possessed them in the beginning of his way. 

And as I came in my time, so also came they. 

But I was God's first begotten and heir to His throne. 
Always lived in His council and no evil have I known. 
Forasmuch as all men who from Adam commit sin, 
1 was ordained to redeem them; for this cause was I slain. 

Now I appear to you in body, that your eyes may see. 
With your ears hear my words and may know I am he. 
But this body is not flesh as ye might suppose, 
For 1 am a spirit clothed immortal since the day 1 arose. 

I cannot now tell you how this thing can be, 
But it is a fact indisputed, which your eyes do now see, 
For the veil of my body on the cross it was rent, 
There my soul was poured out and my life it was spent. 

Now this is the mystery of things written u iknown, 

Concerning life after death, which God in mt_ has now shown, 
For 1 am Spirit made perfect and in eternity dwell. 
Having power over all beings in earth, Heaven and hell. 

Go ye unto all the world, preach the Gospel in my name, 

For ye are my witnesses that from Heaven I came; 

I was crucified, dead and buried, conquered death and the 

grave, 
Released the spirits bound in prison whom 1 came for to save. 

Now I return to my Father, this is expedient for you, 
For I have finished the work that He gave me to do; 
Now I command you to tarry, to watch and to pray, 
Till the Comforter has come on the Pentecostal day. 

In her light and her power you will then persuade men. 
Convince the world that I died and have risen again; 
By signs and great wonders you to the world will make known 
That my Kingdom is come and the power of evil overthrown. 

13 



Now all who resist you and from me turn away. 
Refusing my Gospel and your words to obey. 
Shall be lost and be damned, doomed to torments of hell, 
In a region of darkness where only devils do dwell. 

But all who hear and believe, call upon God in my name, 
Having repented of their sins, their guilt and their shame. 
Shall be baptized from above with the Holy Ghost and with 

fire. 
Giving them faith, hope and love, which shall satisfy their 

desire. 

To you I have made plain what my Father has done. 
Both in the past and the present and what is to coine; 
1 have told you all things and have kept nothing back. 
That in the knowledge of God ye may have no lack. 

Now he that overcometh as 1 have overcome 

Shall stand justified before God when their trial here is done. 
Passing out of death into life, enter my Kingdom of rest. 
The place which I prepare for a home of the blest. 

Their rest shall be glorious in that world so bright, 
Where the light ever shines, for there is no more night. 
My Father will love them, His children that were lost. 
Whom I have redeemed by my blood at great cost. 

They shall know no more sorrow, no more pain, no more care, 
All their tears are wiped away and my glory they share; 
Songs of triumph on their lips, in their hands harps of gold. 
Clothed in raiment white and glistening, and my Father's face 
behold. 

Now all the things 1 have shown you go preach and declare, 
With all confidence and boldness, in this place and everywhere. 
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning, let your light ever 

shine. 
That men may walk in your light and find your God and mine. 

COMMENDATION : 
Having been endowed with wisdom, the gift of God from 

above, 
I have written these words in the spirit of love; 
As an inspiration of truth may they reach one and all. 
And blossom as the rose into whose hands they may fall. 

Composed by G. Ray Harding. 

14 



WORLD WAR 

Some years ago, the voice of woe 

Came floating on the breeze, 
The sword was drawn, and a mighty storm 

Broke over land and seas. 

Then very soon the cry was heard. 

In the nations all around. 
To save our country we must fight 

And our enemies to confound. 

Then onv/ard came the mighty hosts 

Of nations proud and strong. 
The war to wage and foes to engage, 

Let the fight be short or long. 

More than four years of war has now gone by, 

Severe has been the fight, 
Millions of men gave up their lives 

And the end is not in sight. 

More men, more men, is still the cry, 

To stand through thick and thin. 
Our peril is great, our country at stake, 

If we should fail to win. 

Millions are now on battle lines. 

In trenches may they be found. 
And thousands more come up behind, 

When the trumpet gives the sound. 

In a spirit of rage the armies engage. 

Amidst the shot and shell; 
They shout, they cry, they bleed, they die, 

Their sufferings no tongue can tell. 

When will the people see and feel? 

When will the nations know? 
Their sin is great; with greed and hate. 

They must all reap what they sow. 

In a forward way, they have gone astray. 

Their hearts have waxed hard and cold; 
Having departed from God, they must bear His rod. 
Like Israel, His people of old. 

Composed by G. Ray Harding. 

August 7, 1918. 

15 



OUR COUNTRY'S CALL 

Have you heard the sound of trumpet 

Which denotes our country's call? 
Have you enlisted under the Banner 

Which protects you, great or small? 
Will you follow where it leads, 

Be it on seas or foreign land, 
And fight beneath its colors. 

With the Stars and Stripes in band? 

Our fathers fought beneath this flag. 

Fearlessly, stern and brave. 
To preserve the States in Union 

And emancipate the slave. 
That all men have their freedom 

Within the borders of our land, 
Under the flag we call "Old Glory," 

With its Stars and Stripes in band. 

A monarchy across the waters 

Of a people great and strong 
Did contemptuously ignore our rights 

And gored us sore and long. 
Their inhuman acts and violence. 

Both on seas and on the land. 
In defiance of our protests, 

We could no longer stand. 

We then prepared for conflict 

With our enemy, harsh and bold. 
To enforce our right of freedom. 

Our nation's honor to uphold. 
So we joined the other nations. 

Who before us had taken in hand 
To drive the pirates from the seas 

And the enemy from their land. 

Now we are marshalling all our forces. 

Strengthening our Allies in the fight. 
Pressing forward in the conflict 

With all our power and might. 
We must drive the enemy backward. 

Shattered, broken and unable to stand. 
Nevermore to defy the nation's rights. 

Either on seas or on the land. 

16 



Then the world shall be delivered 

From its travailing in pain, 
Having brought forth a newborn son 

Who over Lords and Kings shall reign. 
Then the people's rest shall be glorious. 

When the Prince of Peace has come. 
Who purchased the world's redemption, 

God's only begotten son. 

With great wondering and amazement. 

Then all the world shall stand 
Before the throne of His glory, 

God, the Father, at His right hand. 
The power of evil now vanquished. 

Former things having passed away. 
With the light of Heaven upon us 
Will make one grand eternal day. 
Composed by 

G. Ray Harding. 
August 18, 1917. 



THE TIME OF GOD'S VISITATION AND DAY 
OF HIS WRATH 

The Lord God of all creation. 

Lord of justice, truth and love. 
Whose throne is in the secret place. 

He rules the world from above. 

By Him and for Him are all things. 

By His council the nations do stand, 
By His truth Kings reign and decree justice. 

By His word they are removed without hand. 

Now the Lord has come out of His place 

To punish the world for its sin; 
His hand is stretched out on all nations 

Who can turn it back unto Him. 

The Lord hath sworn to take vengeance. 
The word of His oath it shall stand ; 

He will break the power of the nations 
And destroy the work of their hand. 

17 



The world is corrupt and polluted. 

Its sin it is great who can tell; 
The curse of God is upon them 

That are doomed to destruction and hell. 

The righteous escape and find shelter. 
And none of His seed shall know loss. 

For God's promises cannot be broken 

To the redeemed, by the blood of His Cross. 

All sinners of earth, 1 remind you 

That mercy and wrath both belong unto God; 

He'll neither spare nor acquit the guilty. 
But destroy all who come under His rod. 

Sinner, make haste to repent! Delay not, 
For the time of God's judgment is come, 

Indignation and wrath for the wicked. 
But salvation for the just, every one. 

Composed by 

G. Ray Harding. 
July 22, 1917. 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER BOY 

I have a son in a foreign land. 

In a country across the sea; 
He has gone to do whate'er he can 

To help make all men free. 
He has left his mother and friends behind. 

To wait and watch and pray. 
That God might spare him in the fight 

And bring him back some day. 

He is young and brave, courageous and strong. 

To face the perils of the sea, 
But he trusts in God, as his arm of strength. 

That a victor he might be. 
The roar of cannon, the shot and shell. 

Brings no terror to his brave heart. 
For he knows God's eye v/atches over him 

And will grace to him impart. 

18 



He has a sweetheart he left behind, 

So faithful, lovely and fair. 
But at duty's call he sacrificed all. 

With a brave and noble air; 
Being called to go to a foreign field, 

He knew God's way was best; 
The struggle and fight by day or night, 

it was his faith to test. 

If it be God's will to bring him back. 

When the victory and fight is won, 
What a glorious meeting that will be, 

The meeting of mother and son; 
And sweetheart, too, will then rejoice 

Over the one she cherished so. 
With the fire of love burning in her heart 

Which was kindled long ago. 

Composed by 

G. Ray Harding. 
July 17, 1918. 



MEMORIAL OF CHRISTMAS DAY 

Another Christmas day is now at hand, 

A day held sacred in every Christian land 

For nineteen centuries, and while time shall last 

Will be hailed with gladness as in years that's past. 

It was in the year four thousand and four 
A child was born for the world to adore; 
His name is Wonderful, the Lord over Earth, 
The Savior of men, whom a virgin gave birth. 

He was born in a manger, a most lowly place. 
That he reached the level of all man's race. 
To know their poverty, their sorrow and care. 
Their temptations of evil and every snare. 

He was Son of the Highest, who came from above 
To reveal God in the flesh. His forgiveness and lov. 
So all who repent of their sins and their shame 
In Him find forgiveness and life in His name. 

19 



He came for to seek and to save the lost, 

To redeem the world by His blood at great cost, 

TTiat all who believe him obey and adore 

Are justified before God and have life evermore. 

Now He calls to all sinners to seek Him to-day. 

Repent of their sins and His Gospel obey. 

So when life is over and work here is done 

They may stand in His presence and shine as the sun. 

I have written these words of my Lord now unseen. 
In the year of His grace nineteen hundred seventeen. 
On this Christmas day held sacred by all 
Who believe in Christ Jesus and on Him do call. 

Composed by G. Ray Harding. 
December 25, 1917. 



WARNING MESSAGE 

Give ear and hear, oh, ye kings. 
Understand and know God's ways; 

And all ye judges far and near 

Acknowledge Him, all thy days. 

Power is given you, of the Lord 

And sovereignty from on high; 
He will try your works and search you out, 

His judgment is ever nigh. 

Oh! ye ministers of His Kingdom, 

Who have not judged aright. 
By observing His law and counsels 

To guide you with wisdom and light. 

A sharp judgment shall come to the mighty. 
Most horrible shall his judgment be. 

Who has failed to walk in God's counsel. 
His salvation and mercy to see. 

Shall the Most High regard the person of men. 

Seeing He is Lord over all? 
Shall He stand in awe of man's greatness. 

He who made the great and the small? 

20 



A sore trial shall come upon the mighty 
Who neglect God's holiness to keep. 

Not considering the things most excellent. 

With wondering and amazement they shall weep. 

Can any stand and say unto Him, 

Why hast Thou judged us so? 
Can any deliver them out of His hand 

From the pain, distress and the woe? 

I counsel all men now to come near, 
Hear the message 1 bring from afar. 

Of the light and knowledge of God's glory. 

Which is more brilliant than the morning star. 

All who repents, believes, and calls on His name 

Shall receive the gift from above. 
Which is the spirit of wisdom, of power and light. 

Of His salvation and Kingdom of love. 

Composed by 
1917. G. Ray Harding. 



REFLECTION 

Wisdom informs us of the beginning of time, 

When only darkness prevailed and no light did then shine, 

That the eternal spirit moved over a vast sea. 

Out of chaos He brought order and caused all things to be. 

Out of the sea came the earth in a crystalized form, 

Out of darkness came the light, out of clouds came the storm. 

The earth was well watered, with rivers and rills, 

Then grass and vegetation grew in valleys and on hills. 

In six days the Lord God made the heaven and the earth. 
Also sun, moon and stars and to every creature gave birth. 
He spoke and it w^as done, he commanded and they stood fast; 
By His word they shall endure, so long as time shall last. 

A garden was planted, of fruit, vegetables and flowers. 
The sun gave it warmth and the cloud gave it showers, 
A river ran through it, so peaceful and grand, 
Its waters clear as crystal, on its shores golden sand. 

Composed by 
1917. G. Ray Harding. 

2i 



CHRISTIAN SOLDIER 

Now I am a Christian soldier, 

Fighting for my God and King; 
Over lands now I shall travel, 

Sinners to Calvary bring. 

Now 1 am a Christian soldier, 

Bound to fight and bound to win; 

God has sent me with a message 
To this world that is lost in sin. 

Now I am a Christian soldier; 

Jesus sent me for to tell, 
If you don't forsake the evil 

You w^ill surely go to hell. 

Jesus died not for the righteous. 

But for sinners that suffer loss. 
For He loves the weak and sinful. 

If they will come to His cross. 

Do not think of worldly visions. 
For this world is a world of woe; 

Turn to God and get the blessing 

And on your way you will gladly go. 

Now, poor sinner, come to Jesus, 

Come to Jesus, do not wait; 
Now He calls you by His spirit. 

Come before it is too late. 

Hasten, sinner! Hasten, sinner! 

This great salvation to receive; 
Hell's dark legion ne'er can follow 

If you Christ the Lord believe. 

Composed by G. Ray Harding, 
April 25 th, 1887. 



TESTIMONY OF A CONVERT 

1 once was in the darkness and in the broadway 
That leads to destruction, to death and decay. 
My heart it was hard, my eyes they were dim. 
My soul it was dead, and my life full of sin. 

22 



While in this sad state, I chanced for to hear 
One whom God sent with a message so clear, 
Who told of a Savior, which came from on high 
1 o redeem a lost world with a great sacrifice. 

He told of His love and His power so great. 
How He laid down His life, which no other could take, 
How He arose from the dead and ascended on high. 
To prepare us a place in the sweet bye-and-bye. 

I obeyed this glad Message, to Jesus 1 came, 
I gave Him my heart and He cleansed every stain. 
So now 1 am washed, my heart's white as snow. 
For His blood was applied and 1 am made whole. 

Now come, ye poor sinner, no longer delay, 
For Jesus is calling. He calls you to-day. 
Oh, come to Him now and give Him your heart. 
His love and His joy to you He'll impart. 

Oh, come to Him now and seek His glad face. 
Return to your Father and you shall find grace; 
His peace He will give you, a heaven unfold, 1 

And His glory reveal, which can never be told. j 

Composed by 

G. Ray Harding. 
In the year of 1897. 



THE BACKSLIDER'S RETURN 

Most gracious, my Father on high, 

Just now I look up to Thee, 
Seeking Thy grace and Thy favor. 

Offering my humble plea. 

For 1 have been wicked and sinful, 
Thy kindness and grace did forsake. 

Turned to the world and its folly. 
Changing my fortune and fate. 

Forgetting Thy law and Thy counsel. 
The gift of TT>y grace and Thy love. 

Mistaking the voice of the evil one 
For the voice of God from above. 

23 



But suddenly a light shone around me, 

A voice whispered gently and said : 
My presence and peace shall be with thee, 

Awake and arise from the dead. 

The ways of this v/orld are delusive, 

The wages of sin it is death. 
All pleasures of earth are but folly. 

Fruitless of blessing and rest. 

But to know me is life everlasting, 

A peace which the world cannot give, 

A heaven, encompassed in glory. 
Is yours if you seek me and live. 

My child, I entreat you, take warning. 

While pardon and peace may be found, 
The day of My reckoning is coming 

And you may be robbed of your crown. 

Composed by G. Ray Harding. 

On June 2 7th, 1898. 

HEALING OBTAINED BY FAITH 

There is healing by faith in power divine, 
A positive cure for all mankind. 
By faith you may prove this miraculous Power, 
Which is present to heal at this very hour. 

The blind to see, the lame to walk, 

The deaf to hear, the dumb to talk. 

The infirm made strong, the sick made well. 

And souls delivered that were doomed to Hell. 

By faith you may see the Salvation of God, 
Be free from the devil, escape from His rod; 
This wonder working power, it is new and it's old, 
A cure for the body and a cure for the soul. 

It is God who works wonders, shows signs here below. 
By the hand of His chosen, whom He did foreknow; 
So they declare His glory, His power to make known. 
For their God dwelleth in them. He who sits upon the 
Throne. 

Composed by G. Ray Harding, 

In the year 1916. 

24 



I 






"-^^ 






1,^ , 









-7^ 



-^--0^ 













<. -^ ^ f. .r\ * 7/// 






/ 







■<JV c' * Z 







, ■/ v^V %-^"/ v^^-/ -=. 










o > 









^^o 




o 







<^ 'o..* 











.«-v 



V,^^ :'Mh:. %/ -^^''^' ' 



0^ . -,,^„ 










. ""-^..^^^ /Jtev %,^^ .'^^<. ^.Z ;^'% %/ -^^^-•' 










"t "^ N, MANCHESTER, 
j^ INDIANA 








0^ o . . . ♦-, 






